The ever-popular Indian Head penny was discontinued after 1909, making the 1905 Indian Head penny one of its final years of production. This highly collectible coin marks the beginning of the end of the series, since the 1906 Congress approved an act for coins to be minted at locations other than the Philadelphia Mint.
Indian Head Penny Design Controversy
The Indian Head penny was first designed in 1858 by James Barton Longacre, Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint. Official history says the design was based off of Lady Liberty - but according to legend, the design may have been based off of Longacre’s daughter Sarah. The rumor states the image is inspired by a time 12 year old Sarah was visiting her father at the Philadelphia Mint when a group of Native Americans were visiting, and she tried on one of their headdresses. This rumor was later proven to be false, as Sarah would have been 30 and married at the time of design.
1905 Indian Head Penny Values
Having survived for over 100 years, the 1905 Indian Head penny is a key piece for any collector. Value of the coin is directly tied to its condition, with average coins going for a few dollars; however, mint condition coins can fetch up to forty dollars. A mint condition coin is visible by its vibrant colors and clear and distinct engravings.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1905
Mint Mark: No mint mark
Total mintage: 80,717,000
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Face value: One Cent
Weight: 3.11 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Diameter: 19 millimeters